What To Expect From Your Invisalign Consultation
If you're interested in having your teeth straightened but aren't thrilled about the idea of having "traditional" metal braces, then you may want to consider Invisalign as an option. Specifically, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually straighten your teeth over time. The first step to finding out whether you're a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist who offers this service.
Wondering what to expect from your consultation appointment? The specifics can vary a bit from one office to the next, but there are a few basic components of any Invisalign consultation that you can generally expect.
Questions and Evaluation
When you first arrive, this will be an opportunity to get to know the dentist/orthodontist and the office staff. This is also a great chance for you to ask any questions you may have about the treatment process with Invisalign. During the evaluation stage of the appointment, your dentist will also provide you with some general information on pricing and any payment plans they may have available.
X-Rays, Impressions, and Photos
Next, your dentist will want to take detailed records in order to plan out the specifics of your treatment and provide you with more information. This will include taking a set of X-rays, as well as impressions of your teeth and your bite. In most cases, a series of photos will also be required to be taken from different angles as well. All of this information will be needed to create your aligners if you decide to move forward with treatment.
Discussion of Treatment
From there, your dentist should have all the information needed to determine whether you're a good candidate for Invisalign. He or she will review your specific treatment plan, including a general timeline of how long the treatment will take and how many sets of aligners may be needed.
Prescription and Next Steps
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign treatment, your dentist will need to write an official prescription for it and send your information (including X-rays, impressions, and photos) off to have your first set of aligners made. Once they're in, your dentist will call you and have you come into the office for a fitting and further instructions on how often to wear them, how to care for them, and the like.
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect from your consultation, are you ready to schedule one?
